When marking your center lines - do you prefer chalk or the disappearing ink pens? I have tried both and neither is winning the battle of preference at this point....

You know that sticky tape that comes on ready to ware ( t-shirt,jeans etc) that usually shows the size and price. Sometimes it is 2 or 3 inches wide I save them and cut in strips about 1/4 in wide and hang from edge of my machine cabinet. I use them to mark center point and remove just before I stitch. Don't laugh!!

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2 comments

by katydid 01 Sep 2008

Doesn't harm the wood or the cloth!!!

by dpickel 01 Sep 2008

Incredible idea - and it's "recycling". How GREEN-friendly! :) Love it. Thank you!

Be careful with using the disappearing ink marking pens. The marks are easily removed with a bit of water BUT if you use a hot iron on them it may set them permanently and
nothing will ever take it out. I have good luck with the disappearing ink IF I get the project done before the ink disappears - like a day or two later. I like the chalk, too. I like the answer with the tape and marking over it if it doesn't interfere with my embroidery. That would be useful in hooping on the grain.

1 comment

by katydid 01 Sep 2008

I have also heard that ironing over disappearing ink is fatal. I don't use it in embroidery, but sometimes use it in sewing.

The dissapering ink sometimes doesn't...until the item is wash, same with the chalk...Whatever you use just make very small marks so it won't be to difficult to clean.Good Luck and flowers$ U.

I have a hard time with both, and if the item is not for myself I don't like to wash it. I have folded the fabric and using the iron to make the lines. The other method you can use is placing a small strip of masking tape over the fabric and drawing the lines on the tape it works just fine and you dont have to worry about marks of your fabric, just peel off and it is gone.

3 comments

by dpickel 31 Aug 2008

Do you then stitch through the tape or remove it once hooped, before stitching starts?

by katydid 01 Sep 2008

After you have lined up the needle with center point, remove tape, then put down the topping if you are using on and then stitch.

by dpickel 01 Sep 2008

Thanks! I shall have a go at that.

I fold as well. However I did try the sticky dots on my embroidery bears and they were very nice.

I prefer disappearing ink but also use the fold method a lot... depends mostly on the type of fabric I'm embroidering.

1 comment

by dpickel 31 Aug 2008

Thanks.

Don't know but you seem to have gotten a lot of good advice.

Hello dpickel, I must admit to having tried both and didn't like either of them. So, I have started my own "invention" ... ha.. I fold into half, then half again to have quarters, or crosswise twice, depending where I need the folds/points to be marked, then PRESS WITH THE IRON. When the embroidery is finished, iron the item again. I have even tried by using pins. Not precise, but acceptable too... for me. Good Luck! Mary, Melbourne

Don't know but you seem to have gotten a lot of good advice.

disappearing ink and a flower for you

I prefer disappearing ink A flower for you

I have a really hard time getting rid of certain types of chalk marks. So I would vote for disappearing ink...

1 comment

by dpickel 31 Aug 2008

Hmmm, yes, that has been a bit of an issue sometimes here too.